NSWIS SELECTION GUIDELINES DIVING

NSWIS SELECTION GUIDELINES DIVING NSWIS Aim The NSW Institute of Sport (NSWIS) Diving program is a partnership between Diving Australia, Diving NSW and NSWIS to deliver a program that will develop and assist identified high performance NSW athletes and coaches to achieve excellence and success at international level. All selection decisions are made in line with the national athlete pathway and in consultation with the Diving Australia CEO and National es. NSWIS is a major player in the delivery of an internationally recognised program, including coaching and services to achieve world-class performance as part of an effective, nationally coordinated, high performance sport network. Program Purpose The NSWIS Diving Program will provide world-class coaching, training and competition, facilities and support services to improve athlete development with a view to: Ø Prepare identified junior and open athletes for international success Ø Fast track identified talent and talent transfer athletes for National Squad selection Selection Aim The aim of selection is to ensure the best and most suitable athletes available are included in NSWIS programs, according to program description, selection processes and criteria as agreed. Program Description Target Athlete Group Ø Members of DA National Squads/Teams Ø Identified talent diving athletes and talent transfer athletes NB: All athletes must be Australian citizens and current financial paying members of Diving NSW to be nominated for NSWIS Squad scholarship. An athlete who does not reside in NSW but is eligible to represent NSW at National Championships may be selected, but only after referral to and authorisation by the JMC. Structure A centralised program based at Sydney Olympic Park. Maximum no. of athletes NSWIS scholarships: 15 athletes NSWIS Talent / NEPP (Tier 1 and Tier 2): 18 athletes NB: Talent athletes are not NSWIS scholarship holders and are entitled to identified services Selection Criteria Athletes will be eligible for inclusion into the NSWIS Diving Squad based on their performance relative to selection criteria for one of the scholarship categories listed below. NB: Eligibility does not necessarily guarantee an NSWIS scholarship offer. This will be dependent on the number of scholarships available and athletes will be ranked by performance accordingly and will need to gain the necessary recommendation from the Head and subsequent approval by the JMC. Diving Disciplines covered by NSWIS Selection The selection of athletes for the NSWIS Diving Program covers events for males and females included in the Olympic Games, World Championships and Commonwealth Games. 1

NSWIS Scholarship Categories There are 5 scholarship categories within the NSWIS Diving Program which is underpinned by a Talent / NEPP program. NB: Talent athletes are not NSWIS scholarship holders and are entitled to identified services NSWIS Scholarship Level Age Minimum Performance Criteria Podium (DA Tier 1) Senior Current DA national squad member with performances equal to top 3 in the World at a Benchmark Event. Podium Potential (DA Tier 2) Commonwealth (DA Tier 3) Developing (DA Tier 4) Emerging (DA Tier 5) Senior Senior/ Current DA national squad member with performances equal to top 6 in the World at a Benchmark Event Current DA national squad member with performances equal to top 12 in the World at a Benchmark Event Current DA national squad member with performances equal to top 18 in the World at a Benchmark Event. Athletes with the capability and commitment to achieve at least Podium Potential athlete status in the future. This will be demonstrated as athletes will be working towards and by their final year as a junior athlete will: a. compete at junior level on one or all boards (1m, 3m and 10m) with all platform dives to be achieved from the 10m board b. qualify and compete at open nationals The Talent/NEPP program underpins the NSWIS Diving Program and aims to identify potential national representatives and provide recognition and motivation for Talent athletes to achieve NSWIS selection standards in the future NB: Talent athletes are not NSWIS scholarship holders and are entitled to identified services only Squad level Age Minimum Performance Criteria Talent/ NEPP Tier 1 Athletes are identified and selected against the following Technical and Body Assessments outlined in the DA National NEPP Testing Guide (Appendix B) Talent/ NEPP Tier 2 Athletes are identified and selected against the following Technical and Body Assessments outlined in the DA National NEPP Testing Guide (Appendix B) NB: The NSWIS Head may at their discretion nominate divers who have not yet met the published DD standards or scores but in their opinion has the potential to do so. NB: Fulfilment of the above criteria does not guarantee selection into the NSWIS Diving Squad. The NSWIS Head will also take into account and assess the following characteristics: explosive power, strength, flexibility and co-ordination, work ethic, adaptability and willingness to learn NB: Unsuccessful athletes at any scholarship/squad level will be assisted to integrate into the Diving NSW club program Selection Timeframes 2

The NSWIS squad will be selected in June each year. Athlete scholarships will commence 1 st July to 30 th June of the following year. Athlete scholarships will be reviewed in December each year. Selection of Talent/ NEPP athletes will generally occur once or twice a year, however recommendations can be made at any time during the year. General Selection of NSWIS and Talent / NEPP Athletes An athlete s selection into the NSWIS or TALENT / NEPP will be based on a combination of the following: Performance at nominated events (within the 12 months prior to selection to the squad); Fitness and athletic ability Technical competence Tactical Nous tactical ability in relation to Diving Potential to improve and progression Competitive ability Individual application in training and competition Team/Squad orientation ability to fit in Specific Diving standards/technical considerations NB: performances to be considered must be recorded at Diving NSW, Diving Australia and FINA sanctioned competition and must be achieved within the twelve months prior to selection. NB: Subjectivity is an unavoidable part of athlete selection where potential to perform is being assessed. Athlete Support Athlete training schedules and support will vary between scholarship categories Podium Podium Potential Commonwealth Developing Emerging ing NSWIS Head to deliver training sessions NSWIS Head to deliver training sessions NSWIS Head to deliver training sessions NSWIS Assistant to deliver training sessions NSWIS Assistant to deliver training sessions Venues Provided at SOPAC & SSC with Assistant Provided at SOPAC & SSC with Assistant Provided at SOPAC & SSC with Head Provided at SOPAC & SSC with Assistant Provided at SOPAC & SSC with Assistant Camps & Competition Support Australian Open Championships Australian Open Championships Australian Open Championships Australian Open or Elite Championships High Performance Services Priority access to services as determined by Head Priority access to services as determined by Head Priority access to services as determined by Head Priority access to services as determined by Head Priority access to services as determined by Head Screening Compulsory medical & musculoskeletal screenings twice per year Compulsory medical & musculoskeletal screenings twice per year Compulsory medical & musculoskeletal screenings twice per year Compulsory medical & musculoskeletal screenings twice per year Compulsory medical & musculoskeletal screenings twice per year NSWIS Selection Guidelines Squad Selection Ratification 3

The Head will nominate potential scholarship holders and Talent athletes to a selection panel. The selection panel will comprise of the key program partners including the nominated JMC signatories from the State and National sporting organisations. The nominated Scholarship and Talent athletes must be approved by the JMC prior to athlete notification and induction. Following JMC approval, all athletes will be advised in writing of their selection. Where a conflict of interest exists with any member of the panel (eg. when a member has a personal involvement with an athlete under consideration), that member will exclude themselves from any decisions relating to identified athlete/s. NB: Selection criteria will be reviewed annually by the JMC. NB: Selection to the NSW State teams and National teams is independent from NSWIS Squad athlete selection or membership. Athletes are under no obligation to accept a NSWIS scholarship offer. Accepting and Maintaining a NSWIS Scholarship The NSWIS Scholarship athletes must sign and abide by a NSWIS Athlete Agreement and Athlete Code of Conduct for the term of the scholarship. It is the responsibility of the athlete to ensure all conditions of the Agreement are met at all times, including maintenance of a healthy lifestyle and fitness. Talent athletes must sign and abide by a Talent Athlete Agreement and Athlete Code of Conduct for the term of their squad membership. The composition of the squad may be amended by the JMC at any time where an athlete s scholarship is withdrawn based on an athlete s performance review, or an athlete meets selection criteria during the course of a scholarship year. The level of scholarship an athlete receives is performance based. Athletes selected to NSWIS scholarship for the first time will be subject to an initial 2 month probationary period. Following the 2 month period the athlete will be assessed on their development and suitability and will either: 1. remain at their current scholarship level or be nominated by the NSWIS Head to be moved to another scholarship level for the remainder of the scholarship year 2. Remain on NSWIS scholarship for a further 3 months 3. Not be selected for continuation in the program Athletes previously on NSWIS scholarship and have been reselected will be offered a 12 month scholarship. Athletes who perform below expectation and do not meet expected performance indicators when they are in the NSWIS or Talent /NEPP program may be withdrawn from the program. Athlete Withdrawal from NSWIS Diving Squad Scholarship and Talent / NEPP program An athlete wishing to withdraw from their NSWIS Scholarship or the Talent/NEPP program may do so by informing the NSWIS Head in writing at any time. Any equipment loaned to an athlete through the NSWIS Program must be returned to the Head upon withdrawal of a scholarship. Athletes who do not return equipment will be liable for the cost of all outstanding equipment. Scholarship Suspension / Termination An athlete s scholarship may be suspended or terminated where s/he breaches the NSWIS Athlete Agreement, Code of Conduct, Sport Code of Conduct (or equivalent) and/ or brings the Institute and / or the Sport into disrepute. 4

In this instance the NSWIS CEO, in consultation with the Program Partners will recommend to the NSWIS Board, the suspension or termination of the athlete s scholarship. The NSWIS Board is the only body that has the power to terminate or suspend an athlete scholarship. The athlete, Head and Program Partners will be advised in writing of the outcome. Athlete Appeals Process Relating to Non Selection of NSWIS Athlete Scholarship Athletes may appeal non-selection to the NSWIS or withdrawal of a scholarship by contacting the Coordinator of the NSWIS Appeals Panel in writing within two weeks of withdrawal or non-selection. The NSWIS Appeals Panel will hear all appeals within two weeks of notification and will consist of the Coordinator and JMC. The Coordinator may appoint an independent to the Appeals Panel where deemed necessary or at an athletes request. A full report of the Appeals Panel s decision will be forwarded to the athlete and NSWIS CEO within one week of the Appeals hearing. Athletes may be accompanied by a support person of their choice at all times during the Appeals process. 5

Appendix B General NEPP Testing Guide Body Assessment Height A shorter athlete will find it easier to make the somersault and twisting rotations. IDEAL HEIGHT Females: 1m 57cm to 1m 67cm Males: 1m 65cm to 1m 75 cm (look at parents and grandparents) Weight A lighter athlete will find it easier to make the somersault and twisting rotations providing they also carry muscle. IDEAL WEIGHT Females: Height (cm) - 115cm = Weight (kg) Males: Height (cm) - 110cm = Weight (kg) Arm Length Arm span should be greater than height. At least 6cm or greater is ideal. Arms that are longer than the body make it easier for the athlete to have a deeper arm swing resulting in a more powerful take off. Trunk Length The trunk should be greater than 50% of height to assist with speed of the somersault. Shorter the legs, faster the spin. A longer body can throw into a deeper pike and shows a better looking pike position when matched with short legs Feet The athlete should have arched feet over flat feet for a better toe point, more balance on the end of the board, a stronger stance which also gives a more powerful takeoff. Pigeon toed athletes won t maximize the power of their takeoff. They could be uncoordinated walking down a springboard and will leave gaps between their legs mid flight. Legs Postural alignment Nil knock knee Minimal bowed knee Aesthetically minimal bowed knees gives the appearance of very straight legs when rotating in the pike position in the air. Spine No sideways curvature is ideal. An athlete with sideways curvature is more pre disposed to injury. Body Composition More muscle definition Vs Body fat Body Posture 6

General body posture is observed to look at the alignment of the athlete. An athlete with good body posture generally has good lines going through the water and has stronger core stability with good balance. Wrist A range between 90 110 degrees is ideal. Elbow We are looking for nice straight elbows or ever so slight hyperextension. Athletes with major hyperextension are pre disposed to injury. Athletes with straight or very slight hyperextension are more likely to achieve the rip entry. Strength Armstand This shows body line, strength and control which is a very important aspect of diving. If an athlete shows good strong lines, it will be easy to transfer into the water, coming out of dives and lining up for entry position. Push ups The first time we test the pushups we ask for full standard pushups with arms wider than shoulder width apart. As the athlete grows stronger we would test their strength level on triceps pushups. The narrow hand placement shows the strength of the tricep muscle. It is important to see a full range of motion to assess the athlete s strength with solid core stability. Chin ups We ask for a narrow supinated grip (palms facing upwards) as this imitates the closest arm muscle action of pulling into a tuck position. Core/Abdominals Pike ups This exercise will be timed and we are looking for the athlete to complete 15 within 20 seconds. The pike up must have full range of movement and show good rhythm completed with straight arms and legs. Their quality is also recorded Sit ups The athlete should be able to repeat 15 repetitions within 25 seconds. The technique we are looking for is hands behind head, legs straight. The coach/tester will hold the ankles to the ground. Full range of motion with good rhythm and quality must be seen. Quality is also recorded. Back extensions This exercise involves the athlete to hold the back extension position for 20 seconds. Hands must be behind head. Any struggles, wobbles, twists, shakes will be recorded. Legs Vertical jump The athlete should ideally have a vertical jump of 38cm or greater for girls and 44cm for boys. The only technique requirement is two feet must be placed firmly on the ground to begin with. Standing flat footed and reaching with one arm mark wall with chalk 7

Then perform an explosive standing jump marking wall with chalk at the highest point (3 attempts) The table below is a guide only 7yrs 8yrs 9yrs 10yrs 11yrs 12yrs 13yrs Male: 30cm 32cm 35cm 39cm 44cm 50cm 57cm Female: 28cm 30cm 33cm 37cm 42cm 48cm 55cm Long Jump The athlete should have a minimum jump that exceeds their body length. The only technique requirement is two feet must be placed firmly on the ground to begin with. The final measurement is taken from the back of the heel after they have landed. Standing feet slightly apart, jump forward as far as you can *For safety instruct to land on feet (3 attempts) The table below is a guide only 7yrs 8yrs 9yrs 10yrs 11yrs 12yrs 13yrs Male: 140cm 148cm 153cm 157cm 160cm 162cm 163cm Female: 137cm 145cm 150cm 154cm 157cm 159cm 160cm Tuck Jumps The athlete will be asked to complete 10 standard tuck jumps. The quality is observed and recorded. Knees must touch chest, toes are to be pointed and balance must be centred. Sprint 30 metres dash as fast as possible The table below is a guide only 7yrs 8yrs 9yrs 10yrs 11yrs 12yrs 13yrs Male: 6sec 5.7sec 5.4sec 5.1sec 4.8sec 4.5sec 4.2sec Female: 6.2sec 5.9sec 5.6sec 5.3sec 5sec 4.7sec 4.4sec Steps on a box The athlete will be given 30 seconds to see how many step up and downs they can do. The box will be approx 20cm high and should be only one leg at a time. Up and down is seen as one repetition. The athlete will be able to use whatever method they like to gain the fastest speed. Flexibility Sitting pike test 8

The athlete should be able to rest their head on their knees, looking over toes, straight knees, hands over pointed toes with straight arms. We are judging the aesthetics of the pike position as well as flexibility range. Sit and reach The athlete must be able to reach their hands past their toes and exceed more than 20 cm. Ankle Full squat to the ground with heels maintaining full contact with the floor at all times. An athlete that can complete a full squat allows for a deepest, most balanced, powerful press/take off. Toes Observe the ability to form a pointed position. This contributes to the gracefulness of a dive. Technical Testing Trampoline The athlete will be asked to do 100 a b & c x 10 x 2 repetitions each. The balance, coordination and rhythm will be observed. Feedback is given to the athletes. Notes are also taken how quickly the athletes respond to feedback and correct their technique. Athlete Technical Assessment Athletes are also evaluated on a series of tests which also relate to Diving. Athletes are asked to; Stand on toes, arms out front and above head. Balance, sturdiness, body posture and body type are all being observed. Handstands The coach will ask the athlete to kick up to handstand into the coaches hands. The coach will test alignment, strength, sturdiness, balance, form and control. Entry position, lying down and standing up. The coaches will note the athletes elbow and body alignment, arm strength and core stability. The lock out of arms is a very important part of testing. Pike Sitting and standing. We are judging the aesthetics of the pike position as well as flexibility range. Sitting toe point - Observe the ability to form a pointed position. This contributes to the gracefulness of a dive. Also leg muscles are observed through this exam. We are looking for strong muscles with a graceful alignment. Jumping Between 5 10 repetitions. The athlete is asked to jump as high as they can, as fast as they can, land on a central target and point toes in the air. We are looking at the athletes fast twitch movement, their ability to jump high and fast with balance, coordination and an even rhythm. Forward and Backward rolls 5 x repetitions. Coordination, control, rhythm and movement need to be observed. Continuous long jumps 5 x repetitions. Coordination, control, rhythm and movement need to be observed. Arms swinging Coordination, control, rhythm and movement need to be observed. Legs kicking Coordination, control, rhythm and movement need to be observed. Sitting V-Sit Control and strength of the athlete is recorded. Shoulder flexibility The coach will individually pick out each athlete and give them a stretch and test their flexibility. 9